A Message From the Board

February 1, 2019

The future of Lane Electric Cooperative is in good hands

Susan Knudsen Obermeyer is board president at Lane Electric Cooperative.

A few weeks ago, you may have heard of Matt Michel’s decision to resign as general manager to spend more time with family and pursue other opportunities. We appreciate Matt’s four years of service to Lane Electric and respect his decision. His contribution to public power, statewide and nationally, was an asset to Lane Electric. We wish him the best in his next endeavors.

Following Matt’s resignation, we have used the cooperative’s Policy 106 as our guide. It outlines a succession plan that we are following with a close eye and attention to detail. Pursuant to this policy, Debi Wilson, manager of finance and administration, is serving as acting general manager. Debi has served Lane Electric for 20 years, including 10 in management. The board has every confidence in her ability to guide the co-op through this transition.

Working alongside Debi is a team of committed employees, many who have served the co-op for more than 10 years. From our journeyman linemen and engineering technicians out in the field to our accounting and member service representatives inside the office, Lane Electric employees are giving their best every day to provide you with safe, reliable power and to support you, your families and your communities.

Debi Wilson is acting general manager at Lane Electric Cooperative.

As the board pursues a search and selection process for general manager, we will use another cooperative policy—107—as our road map.

In the meantime, I would like to remind you of our upcoming district meetings in May. Each district’s meeting date, time and location will be communicated to you soon. I encourage you to attend. The meeting is an opportunity for you to hear updates about your cooperative and to give your input. Specifically, it’s your chance to vote for the director who will represent you in the co-op’s decision-making.

With our roots stemming from a group of community members coming together to bring power to your homes, we’re proof that when we unite with shared goals, we are more powerful together.